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Sustainable Mountain Retreat Featuring Double Polycarbonate Panels and Regional Timber Framework

Author:
Mislav Barada
Sustainable Mountain Retreat Featuring Double Polycarbonate Panels and Regional Timber Framework
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Nestled in the rugged highlands, this mountain retreat redefines sustainable design with its innovative use of double polycarbonate panels and locally sourced timber, creating a versatile shelter that harmonizes with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure incorporates double polycarbonate panels for enhanced insulation and natural light, uniquely suited for high-altitude climates.
02
A modular folding room system allows the interior space to adapt for varying group sizes, promoting versatility for users.
03
Local timber is used throughout the construction, reflecting a commitment to regional craftsmanship and reducing transportation impacts.
04
The design features a rainwater harvesting system, enhancing the hut's self-sufficiency and sustainability.
05
Passive solar energy strategies are integrated, optimizing thermal performance while minimizing energy consumption in the cabin.

## Architectural Design Report: Sustainable Mountain Hut in Nepal

### Overview
Located in the Himalayan region of Nepal, the mountain hut addresses the challenges of high-altitude environments, aiming to provide a functional shelter for trekkers and climbers. The design integrates traditional Nepalese construction techniques with contemporary sustainability principles, resulting in a structure that is energy-efficient and adaptable to the dynamic conditions present in mountainous terrains.

### Structural Strategy and Materiality
The hut's structure is primarily composed of wood, a material traditionally used in Nepalese architecture, ensuring durability against extreme weather. Its elongated form enhances stability and performance in high winds. The external envelope consists of double layers of polycarbonate paneling, which offers thermal insulation and diffuses light, creating a comfortable interior while mitigating cold air ingress. Additionally, movable solar protection panels are fitted with photovoltaic cells to harness solar energy, providing power and shade during warmer months.

### Sustainability and User Adaptability
Key sustainability features include a passive solar heating system that utilizes thermal mass to collect and store solar energy, releasing heat during cold nights. A rainwater collection system supports efficient water management, critical for remote locations with limited infrastructure. Internally, the flexible layout incorporates folding room units, accommodating up to twelve occupants and allowing for various functional arrangements. Wooden frame reinforcements double as storage boxes, optimizing space utilization while maintaining structural integrity. The hut's lightweight components are easily transportable and can be disassembled without leaving a significant environmental footprint, addressing concerns of deforestation and ecological preservation in the region.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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